đź“– Scriptures to Read and Ponder

Main Teaching Passage

Matthew 11:28–30 (NIV)

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Other Key Scriptures

  • John 14:6 (NIV) – “I am the way and the truth and the life…”

  • John 14:27 (NIV) – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you…”

  • Psalm 27:1–4 (NIV) – “One thing I ask from the Lord…”

  • Hebrews 4:9–11 (NIV) – “There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God…”

  • Isaiah 30:15 (NIV) – “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength…”

đź“ť Sermon Recap

Introduction: A Prosperous Yet Restless Generation

  • Many of us in Gibraltar enjoy material comfort and prosperity.

  • Yet, there is a deep spiritual and emotional emptiness many are feeling.

  • In 2019, over 10% of Gibraltar’s population was on antidepressants.

  • Prosperity doesn’t always translate into peace.

The Symptom: Soul Weariness

  • Despite modern comforts, we’re more anxious, burnt out, and emotionally drained.

  • Consumerism promises happiness but leaves many feeling empty.

  • Viktor Frankl: “We have everything to live with, but nothing to live for.”

  • Jim Carrey: “I think everybody should get rich and famous… so they can see that it is not the answer.”

The Invitation: Come to Me (Matthew 11:28–30)

  • Jesus offers rest—but not through escapism or numbing out.

  • “Weary” (Greek: kopiao) means to labour to the point of exhaustion.

  • His answer? Take His yoke. Learn His rhythms. Walk His Way.

  • Jesus is not a way among many—He is the Way.

The Mystery of the Yoke

  • A yoke is a tool of work, not rest—yet Jesus uses it to offer soul-rest.

  • Illustration: Young oxen trained by being yoked to a mature ox.

  • When we yoke ourselves to Jesus, we walk in step with Him, not carrying the full burden ourselves.

  • True rest comes not from casting off work, but from walking with Jesus.

The Pathway: Psalm 27:1–4

David’s model of spiritual rest involved:

  1. Dwelling – Intimacy and abiding in God’s presence.

  2. Gazing – Delight and wonder at the beauty and character of God.

  3. Seeking – A heart committed to God’s guidance, wisdom, and ways.

David’s desire: not wealth, status, or security—but God Himself.

đź’¬ Memorable Quotes

  • “Gibraltar, it’s time we move from Prozac to Presence.”

  • “Come to Me.” — Jesus, Matthew 11:28

  • “We are overfed but spiritually starved; wealthy, but emotionally bankrupt.”

  • “The WORK tool becomes the REST tool.”

  • “Jesus isn’t prescribing a pill; He’s offering His presence.”

  • “God is calling us to be a people of His Presence, His Pleasure, and His Purpose.”

âť“ Questions for Discussion

Personal Reflection

  1. In what ways have you experienced weariness or burnout recently?

  2. Where have you been seeking rest—has it brought true peace?

Small Group Discussion

  1. What does it mean to you personally to “come to Jesus”?

  2. Jesus offers rest through a “yoke.” What does this paradox teach us about the Christian life?

  3. How do the practices of dwelling, gazing, and seeking shape your walk with God?

  4. How does consumer culture affect your soul’s health?

Application

  • What specific habit or practice can you adopt this week to keep in step with Jesus?

  • Where do you need to stop striving and start trusting?

đź“š Further Reading

Scripture

  • Isaiah 40:28–31 – Strength for the weary who wait on the Lord

  • Psalm 23 – The Lord as Shepherd and Rest-giver

  • Hebrews 12:1–3 – Running the race by fixing our eyes on Jesus

  • Jeremiah 6:16 – “Ask for the ancient paths… and you will find rest for your souls.”

Books & Resources

  • The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry – John Mark Comer

  • God Has a Name – John Mark Comer

  • Emotionally Healthy Spirituality – Pete Scazzero

  • Soul Keeping – John Ortberg

🙏 Prayer Points

  1. Rest for the Weary

    Lord, we come to You—our souls are tired. Teach us Your unforced rhythms of grace.

  2. Pace with Jesus

    Help us not to rush ahead or fall behind, but to walk in step with You, our Strong and Gentle Shepherd.

  3. Presence over Performance

    Jesus, let us desire Your presence more than platform, pace, or possessions.

  4. Transformation through Trust

    May we become a people who dwell with You, gaze upon Your beauty, and seek Your wisdom above all else.

  5. Healing for Our City

    We pray for those in Gibraltar struggling with anxiety and depression. May Your peace flood our community.

Let this week’s reflection lead you to deeper rest, renewal, and relationship with Jesus.

Living Waters Church – A People of His Presence, Pleasure, and Purpose